Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2017
146. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the legislation to extend the mandatory retirement age in the public sector to 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53517/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has approved the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to its decision last week to increase the compulsory retirement age for most public servants recruited before 1 April 2004. It is not possible to predict the length of time it will take for a Bill to be drafted and pass through both Houses of the Oireachtas given the need for meticulous drafting, ongoing detailed policy considerations, and the scheduling requirements of the Houses of the Oireachtas. However, I have asked the Attorney General to prioritise the drafting of this legislation so that the new compulsory retirement age will become effective as soon as possible which reflects the recent Government Decision on the matter.
In order to make some accommodation for public servants who reach the age of 65 in the period between the Government Decision on 5 December and the commencement of the necessary legislation, the Government approved some limited interim arrangements which became effective from the date of the Decision. The interim arrangements allow affected public servants who reach the age of 65 in that period, to remain in employment until they reach the age of eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory), which is currently 66. Details of these interim implementation arrangements are currently being put in place by the relevant sectors.
